understandable smile

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "understandable smile" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a smile that conveys clarity or comprehension, often in a context where emotions or intentions are being communicated effectively. Example: "When she explained the situation, he responded with an understandable smile, indicating that he grasped her feelings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

There's nothing now off-limits to the handsome, German-Irish ex-headbanger with the world at his feet and an inscrutable (but strangely understandable) smile on his face.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Hence, the understandable scorn in Scott's smile as he prepared the Nets for last night's 86-84 victoverover the Toronto Raptors.

The New York Times - Sports

This is understandable enough — if their fixed "smile" means nothing in particular, their gregariousness, marked sense of play, and behaviors that suggest human qualities like our compassion do a lot to explain their good name.

The New Yorker

Later, when I read the novels of Charles Dickens, I greeted the paranoia of his juvenile leads with a knowing smile, for it proceeded from an understandable wish not to be interfered with by adults with nothing better to do.

Independent

"It's completely understandable" given the positive reviews, he said, holding back a big smile.

The New York Times

Totally understandable.

The New York Times

Perfectly understandable.

The New York Times - Sports

Understandable institutions.

The New York Times

Understandable, perhaps.

The New York Times

Q. Understandable.

The New York Times

And understandable.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "understandable smile" when you want to emphasize that a smile reflects a clear comprehension of a situation or feeling, making the communication more impactful. Be mindful of the context; ensure it genuinely conveys understanding, not just politeness.

Common error

Avoid using "understandable smile" as a substitute for a simple "smile" in everyday contexts. This phrase is most effective when the understanding behind the smile is a key element of the communication. Using it too broadly dilutes its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "understandable smile" functions as a noun phrase, where "understandable" modifies the noun "smile". It describes the quality or characteristic of the smile. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically correct and appears in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "understandable smile" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a smile that reflects comprehension or empathy. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, its frequency is rare, suggesting more common alternatives might be preferred in general usage. The phrase is most often found in news and media contexts. Related phrases like "knowing smile" or "empathetic smile" offer alternative ways to express similar sentiments. When using "understandable smile", ensure the context warrants emphasizing the element of understanding behind the smile.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

comprehensible smile

Replaces "understandable" with a direct synonym, emphasizing ease of comprehension.

knowing smile

Indicates shared understanding or secret knowledge reflected in the smile.

empathetic smile

Focuses on the smile as an expression of understanding and compassion.

appreciative smile

Highlights that the smile stems from understanding and valuing something.

reassuring smile

The smile conveys understanding and aims to alleviate concerns or anxieties.

sympathetic smile

The smile expresses sorrow or concern based on shared understanding of a difficult situation.

agreeing smile

The smile communicates understanding through concurrence with something.

acknowledging smile

Highlights recognition and comprehension as the root of the smile.

smile of comprehension

Rephrases to explicitly state the understanding behind the smile.

perceptive smile

Emphasizes keen insight and understanding as reflected in the smile.

FAQs

What does "understandable smile" mean?

An "understandable smile" signifies a smile that conveys comprehension, empathy, or agreement. It implies that the reason for the smile is easily grasped and justifiable based on the context.

How can I use "understandable smile" in a sentence?

You can use "understandable smile" in a sentence like: "After she explained her situation, he gave an "understandable smile", indicating he understood and sympathized with her feelings."

What can I say instead of "understandable smile"?

You can use alternatives like "knowing smile", "empathetic smile", or "appreciative smile" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "understandable smile" a common phrase in English?

While grammatically correct, "understandable smile" isn't as common as simpler alternatives like "knowing smile". It is best used when highlighting the element of understanding behind the smile is important.